When it comes to cyclocross tire pressure, you may be surprised how low you can go

Experience and research tell us that running lower pressure can offer two big benefits, especially when it comes to cyclocross. First, a tire that can spread out more on the ground offers a bigger contact patch, which increases traction. And second, there's also growing research to show that lower pressure actually reduces rolling resistance, since your tire can absorb small bumps rather than transferring micro-resistances back to you and your legs on varied terrain.

But don't get overzealous with your presta valve just yet—lower pressures need to be balanced with skill level and terrain, as low pressures can increase the likelihood of pinch flats, or, in the case of tubeless setups, “burping” (when the bead of the tire momentarily releases from the rim, allowing air to escape) if you’re riding clumsiliy over rough ground.

The good news: You can train yourself to ride faster at lower pressures over time. Here is a simple roadmap to help you progress toward your optimal tire pressure for cyclocross.

The 'How Low Can You Go' Plan

To figure out what pressure works best for you, it’s best to start practicing on a repeatable course. Look for a local park, a good gravel bike path, or a local 'cross venue where you can do multiple laps.

Cyclocross bike, preferably with tires similar to those you race with or ride regularly.

A good floor pump with a quality gauge, or a mediocre floor pump and quality hand-held pressure gauge.

A diary or log to keep track of starting points and pressure changes. Note: Try to use the same pump or hand-held pressure gauge every time you make a change to pressure.

Find your base
Start with a pressure range of 25 to 40psi (pounds per square inch). Lighter riders can err on the low side to start, and heavier riders to the higher side. Write down your starting pressure. Remember to be careful when you detach the pump from the valve so as to not inadvertently let out extra pressure.

Front and rear tire pressures don’t need to be the same, but start with them at the same pressure until you get a feel for where your weight is usually distributed and how your bike moves.

Ride

Once you start pedaling, pay attention to whether your tires ever bottom out or feel like they're diving or folding over sideways in the corners. (A folding or diving tire feels like the bike is trying to wash out from under you, and is often accompanied by a sound similar to opening Velcro.) Similarly, note if there's no bounce to the tires, or if they feel skittery or like they're sliding over the ground without gripping.

As for technique, the goal is to “ride light.” You don't want to get lazy like you might on a road bike, or whomp the bike around like you would on a mountain bike. On a cross bike, you want to float above the bike with your arms and legs relaxed, which lets you compensate for the roughness of the terrain. It helps to think of your tires as your suspension: You have just 30mm of movement under you before the suspension bottoms out (i.e., the rim hits the ground) so keep your arms and legs loose to absorb the bumps your tires can't.

Also, look as far ahead of you as you can, rather than focusing on what's right in front of you. This will give you time to anticipate any terrain shifts, bumps, or obstacles in your way.

Adjust
Once you get back to your start point, note in your journal how your tires felt. If you were worried you were going to roll them off you rims, add a couple psi and write down that new number. they felt skittery, let out a psi or two. Remember, with low-volume tires like you have on your cyclocross bike, small changes in tire pressure can have big results. It’s best to keep changes to the 1 to 2psi range to start and then, once you get comfortable riding low, play with smaller adjustments (0.5 to 1psi changes).

Go ride some more
Keep doing laps and adding or subtracting pressure until you get to the point where the tires absorb small roots and uneven terrain, and there is no tendency for them to squirm under you when driving through hard corners. Consider changing conditions—you may want a lower pressure than usual for a muddy course, or a higher one if there's a big pavement section, or the course is very dry and hard-packed. Finally, continue to practice riding light, and anticipating the terrain—the lighter you can ride, the lower you'll be able to drop your pressure, and the better traction and efficiency you'll find you can get. With practice you'll get more stable, more efficient, and ultimately have more fun on your 'cross bike.

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